Let's talk P&S Camera's ..... need a new one!

[JeRmS]

First let me say, I would LOOOOVE to go out and spend $500-$1000 on a nice DSLR and eventually I might, BUT I also would never think of taking that type of Camera to MK or any of the other parks anyway so this topic is geared towards your thoughts on Point & Shoot type cameras.

So I'm looking for a new camera, Point & Shoot and really don't want to spend more than $300 at this time. I would like something compact but not so compact as to sacrifice quality. I would like a larger view screen on the back and a decent battery life!

While I'm not a "expert" photographer by any means I do like to play around with settings and such if I have time so having that ability is also a plus ... but I would definitely want a great "Auto" option as well.

I have kids and they don't always want to sit around while daddy tries to adjust the ISO/Aperture/Shutter Speed etc ... not sure why though!!!

So .. what do you have? what do you use and do you like it?

If you have any example photos to post, let's see them!!

 

[wbeem]

Don't know, but you may want to take a look at Amazon's Best Sellers for P&S camera. Maybe something will grab your eye, and you can easily compare by price

http://www.amazon.com/Digital-Camer...pf_rd_t=101&pf_rd_p=1350383222&pf_rd_i=502394

 

[JeRmS]

Thanks, I've actually browsed that list 15 times and I've picked out a few I "like" but I'm still not sure.

One that I have almost pulled the trigger on is the

Nikon coolpix L810 16.1MP w/26x Zoom ... the price is right and it seems like most people put it in that "bridge" camera category, not a true P&S but not a SLR either.

 

[wbeem]

Thanks, I've actually browsed that list 15 times and I've picked out a few I "like" but I'm still not sure.

One that I have almost pulled the trigger on is the

Nikon coolpix L810 16.1MP w/26x Zoom ... the price is right and it seems like most people put it in that "bridge" camera category, not a true P&S but not a SLR either.

Ok, cool. You've narrowed the list down. What was it about that camera, or the others on your list, that caused you to select them?

 

[BLTtinkerbell]

I recently bought a Nikon Coolpix S30 and I like it. I bought it because it is waterproof and thought that would be great for the pools, waterparks and the afternoon storms that usually hit WDW in the summer.

 

[JeRmS]

Ok, cool. You've narrowed the list down. What was it about that camera, or the others on your list, that caused you to select them?

Under $300
Good Zoom
Good Low Light quality
High MP's
Manual operations as well as Auto
decent reviews (4+ stars)

I recently bought a Nikon Coolpix S30 and I like it. I bought it because it is waterproof and thought that would be great for the pools, waterparks and the afternoon storms that usually hit WDW in the summer.

Thanks!! good info to know, waterproof is a nice feature but not a necessity for me really. Do you have any pics to share from the camera?

 

[SenorGreg]

Good Low Light quality

You got me interested in this camera as well, as having really good low light performance is important to me, but then I noticed the Cnet review doesn't seem to like its low light performance.

The good: The Nikon Coolpix L810 is an inexpensive 26x megazoom point-and-shoot that's easy to use and runs on AA batteries.

The bad: The L810 performs poorly in low light and indoors without a flash, and its shooting performance is slow, as is its autofocus.

The bottom line: The Nikon Coolpix L810 offers a lot of specs at a low price. If you need fast shooting performance, though, you'll need to spend more money.

http://reviews.cnet.com/digital-cameras/nikon-coolpix-l810-blue/4505-6501_7-35136262.html

 

[JeRmS]

You got me interested in this camera as well, as having really good low light performance is important to me, but then I noticed the Cnet review doesn't seem to like its low light performance.

I know ... that's the one thing that has ultimately kept me from pulling the trigger on buying it. The price is right and all of the other qualities are spot on.

The other camera I've been eyeing which is a bit more expensive but still under the $300 mark I'm willing to spend and get's great reviews is

Canon PowerShot SX220 HS

http://reviews.cnet.com/digital-cam...s/4505-6501_7-34504981.html?tag=mncol;rvwBody

 

[pantherlj]

I am having a lot of fun with my new Panasonic

http://www.amazon.com/Panasonic-Sen...ZBA2/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1339158956&sr=8-1

 

[JeRmS]

I am having a lot of fun with my new Panasonic

http://www.amazon.com/Panasonic-Sen...ZBA2/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1339158956&sr=8-1

It's funny you post that because besides the Canon SX220 that I posted this is another that I've looked at.
It got blazing reviews on CNET and 26 out of 45 5 star ratings on Amazon

Can you post a sample pic or two that you have shot with the Panasonic?


Thanks

 

[tazdev3225]

I have a Canon Powershot SX-230 which I think may have been upgraded to the 260. That being said I bought it because I do not like to take my DSLR everywhere and wanted something I could keep in a pocket or backpack to always have a camera on hand.

I have been very happy with the pics. This model has a 14X zoom which isn't bad, the 260 has a 20X zoom for comparison. I keep score for my DGS's baseball team so something needed something easy to use. I have managed to get some great shots holding a scorebook and the camera.

 

[JeRmS]

I have a Canon Powershot SX-230 which I think may have been upgraded to the 260. That being said I bought it because I do not like to take my DSLR everywhere and wanted something I could keep in a pocket or backpack to always have a camera on hand.

I have been very happy with the pics. This model has a 14X zoom which isn't bad, the 260 has a 20X zoom for comparison. I keep score for my DGS's baseball team so something needed something easy to use. I have managed to get some great shots holding a scorebook and the camera.

Correct the 260 is the newest version and is also getting some great reviews.

I believe I've narrowed down my choices to a couple ... and decided not to get the Nikon based on some reviews I came across recently. I feel for a bit more money I can definitely get a better camera.

#1 Canon Powershot SX260 HS

#2 Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS8

 

[jakoky]

Hi there, I recently purchased a canon sx260 and love it...I took it on our 10 day trip to disneyland in may. What i love is, pic quality, the long zoom, the ease of use, the size and pretty much everything ...if u message me your email, I can send u some pics I took while at DL...I struggled with downsizing, I have always used a superzoom and really wanted something smaller that I could pack everywhere. I didn't want to give up pic quality or the bigger zoom, so was very happy when I found the 260. ( I had a Sony hx100v)...my husband and kids all love it too, they find it easy to use and love how small it is to pack around. I highly recommend it!

 

[FINFAN]

I'm a Panasonic Lumix fan myself. I love the rechargable battery, awesome zoom, compact size and Leica lens. I currently have the zs8 and love it. I was hiking in CO and slipped, my hand holding my Lumix broke my fall and the poor camera ate a ton of red dirt. I thought it was all over as I know there have been bad reviews on the shutter/dust issues etc. Well no worries for me, it took a lickin' and kept on tickin'.
We are a Panoasonic Lumx family. DD had the z28 and upgrades to the z35 for the zoom, shutter speeds....we have the compact zs3 as our spare pocket p&s.

 

[BecBennett]

Next time I purchase a P&S it has to have 2 main qualities, plus a lot of lesser qualities.

1. RAW capabilities
2. Waterproof.

I don't want to splash out on a waterproof casing for my DSLR and I already have a waterproof P&S but I don't use it often because I miss being able to edit raw

(ooh... Just realised that nasty pun above... Was not intended and please don't think badly of me! )